The Lord tells Joshua to appoint twelve men, one from every tribe to gather stones from the Jordan. The stones were to be set up as a memorial for the children of Israel so they may remember what God did for them. The stones were also a teaching aid so parents could explain to their children what God did for them.

Webster’s dictionary defines memorial as something keeping a remembrance alive. All through the Bible we are encouraged to remember, to consider, to meditate, to think about all the Lord has done for us. In a sense, the Bible itself is a memorial record of a past age. It documents God’s relationship with His people. It describes the people’s decision to maintain relationship with God or not. In the 66 books we are given a detailed memoir of God. The fact the Bible have survived thousands of years without changing its content is a testimony of its supreme importance. God wants us to remember Him.

In Joshua 4 the people were to explain how they crossed the Jordan to their children. This way the children would see God’s glory through the miracle He made happen at the Jordan. The parents had to be available, to hear the question, and be able to answer it.

The next time you notice your Bible on the coffee table, think of the Jordan memorial stones. If someone asked you what is so special about the Bible, how would your respond? God wants us prepared to answer anyone who may ask. How familiar are you with the contents of the Bible? Could you recite one truth that changed your life?

For me that truth is Romans 5:8 But God demonstrated His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This truth opened my eyes and changed the course of my life. After receiving the truth of God’s love for me I accepted Christ’s sacrifice for me. From that moment I became a child of God, adopted into His family. I found forgiveness, love, acceptance and belonging in God.

Lord thank you for all you have done for us. Thank you for the many memorials you’ve given us. Thank you for your power, your love and self-control to enable us to remember all you have done for us. In Jesus’ name Amen.